Crafty Craft is still on despite heavy rainfall, say organisers

The annual fundraising race takes place on Bank Holiday Monday (7) along the Kennet and Avon Canal.
Even though questions have been raised about whether the race will still go ahead, Marcus Franks from the organising group, Newbury Round Table, told Newburytoday.co.uk that they will be doing everything in their power to make sure the charity race goes ahead.
He said: "The race has never been cancelled since it started in 1974 and we don't expect it to be cancelled this year.
"We are doing everything we can to make sure it goes ahead."
Newbury Round Table has been in contact with British Waterways about the water levels and speed of the canal and river water and any extra safety measures that might be needed and Mr Franks reassured people taking part that most of the sections of the canal were in a fine condition.
He said that in the run up to the event, organisers would keep in touch with British Waterways and continue to take their advice right.
He said: "We might have to give an extra safety briefing at the beginning for the crafters.
"If the conditions change we will give extra advice to people when they start.
"People will be wearing life jackets and then we will put extra marshalls at the Newbury lock (behind the Lock, Stock and Barrel pub where the canal and river meet) We will be monitoring it."
Despite the atrocious weather for the last two weeks, the Met Office is not predicting adverse weather conditions in the run up to the race.
And a spokesman for British Waterways said that as canals were controlled water flows, he did not foresee any problems.
For the first time this year, the race for both adults and juniors will start at Kintbury from 8.30am and it is expected that the first people will cross the finish line in Newbury’s Victoria Park by about 10am.
So far about 28 craft entries have been made for the event which has the Golden Heroes 2012 theme.
The prize giving will take place about 3.30pm and categories will include fastest finisher in various categories, best fancy dress in various categories and the spirit of Crafty Craft.
Throughout the day from 10am until 4pm there will be entertainment in Victoria Park including rides, stalls, food outlets, drumming workshops and skate displays.
There will also be stalls and fair rides by Newbury Football Club.
The money raised from the day will go towards Newbury Round Table which will then dispense the funds throughout the year.